4th-7th century AD.An oval bone bifacial icon enclosed within a bronze frame; to one side, an anointment scene with central figure holding arms to the chest, robed figures to either side, the left figure with arm raised, possibly in the act of anointing; to the other side a nativity scene with two haloed figures standing over an infant in a manger, surrounded by a floral border; probably from the Holy Land. 17 grams, 47mm including frame (1 3/4"). Property of a Mayfair lady; formerly in an important London collection formed since 1965.Fair condition. Extremely rare.